Bowling club set to close its doors
APOPULAR bowling club that runs teams for men, women and people with disabilities will shut after falling victim to the Covid pandemic.
The Pack Horse Bowling Club, on Abbey Road, Macclesfield, will close on Friday, September 11, its members have been informed.
The news has caused widespread disappointment to the community who play there and use it as a social hub.
A statement from treasurer Carole Edge confirmed the closure and said the reason for the decision was financial problems caused by the pandemic.
Donald Mackay, 83, from Upton Priory, is among those left ‘absolutely gutted’ as he has been a member for 42 years, playing five days a week.
He said: “It was a big shock, I got a text out of the blue saying there was bad news. It is a wellknown place, everyone likes it.
“It is an important part of the community, it used to get packed with people going in for a drink. It has been a big part of my life.
“I’m absolutely gutted and a lot of people will feel the same. I enjoyed going and got on with everyone, they were always so cheerful.”
Among the teams run out of the club were men’s, men’s veterans, women’s, women’s veterans and a side for people with disabilities.
The building could also be used for functions, which have taken a hit since coronavirus struck, even after the club reopened from lockdown on July 6.
An AGM will be held at the club on Friday, September 4, from 8pm.
Members have the chance to discuss and ask questions about the closure and are asked to respect social distancing rules and wear a face mask. A statement from Ms Edge was posted on the Macclesfield and Alderley Bowling Scene Facebook page and also reproduced on the Packhorse Social and Bowling Club page.
It said: “It is with regret that we, the committee from Packhorse Social and Bowling Club, must inform you that the club will cease to trade from Friday 11th September 2020.
“The clubhouse and the green will close on this date. Financially, the club is unable to sustain a solvent business and the closing date has been driven by the impact of Covid-19.”